Fire Your Way To Success

One of the key responsibilities of a leader is to orchestrate your team to perform at their optimal level.  In the daily changing dynamics of the numerous individual personalities, every team member experiences hills and valleys.  At some point, however, you may find an employee consistently falling short of their responsibilities.  When this happens, you are obligated to make some important decisions - and actions.

The cost of doing nothing is far too high (to your operation and to your customer experience), so what is the best way to deal with this?  Obviously, not hiring a wrong-fit employee is the best tactic, but if an employee chooses the wrong behaviors, the process world-class companies follow is this:

• Step 1: Ask if the standard for the expected behavior was understood. If not, inform the employee and fire them up for implementation. If they knew they were expected to perform the behavior, then...

• Step 2: Ask if they are able to perform the behavior. If not, train them and fire them up for best results. If they are able to perform the behavior, then...

• Step 3: Ask then if there is anything preventing them from performing as requested. If so, then work to remove the obstacle - if appropriate and fire them up to achieve their best potential. If there isn't anything preventing them from performing, then...

• They can perform, they just don't want to. If this is the case, they are lazy and/or defiant. Either way, the next step is to FIRE THEM.  (Yes, at Disney I would fire "deserving" cast members, although we termed it "encouraging them to find their happiness elsewhere" - which made me laugh and gag...all at the same time!)

The critical thing to realize is that THEY have made the choice, not you. You are simply responding to their choice by implementing the natural consequences.

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Most Important Service Traits?

Recently, I was asked by a client if I've seen any trend of "must have" traits for hiring employees to give superior service that transcends industries/international cultures.  After working with dozens of best-in-class service organizations in 49 countries around the world, I believe I've identified the most important - all of which are non-negotiable in order to achieve an extraordinary service experience:

1. Awareness of others.  Until someone has the ability to get beyond their own self-absorbed interests, they will never be able to effective engage customers - or their team.  Being able to truly understand another's perspective is mandatory to be successful in any service-related position - especially if you hope to exceed those expectations.  The field of Emotional Intelligence is founded on the awareness of & ability to connect with others.
2. Consideration of others.  More than simply being aware of them, being considerate also involves caring about the well-being of others and desiring to help them in whatever way matters most to them.  Compassion, kindness, and valuing others are what set the stage for this trait.
3. Bias for action.  Internal thoughts merely create academic concepts or theoretical strategy.  Unless there are behaviors that implement the service ideas, there will be no tangible results.  Legitimate service requires interaction...with ACTION being the key part of that word.

Coincidentally, they are also the key traits for leadership excellence, in my opinion, since great leaders - and their organizations - succeed by serving their "internal customers" (employees).

I've often shared with my teams at Disney and the FAA that the simplest guidance I could think of for great service was "Be aware & care" - the intent being to be aware of yourself, those around you, your environment, etc. and then care enough to take action and do something about improving the experience.   

So, whether you are considering hiring a new employee or promoting someone into a leadership position, ask yourself how they rate regarding these critical traits - or you (and your customers/business results) will suffer the natural consequences...which will likely be painful for your people, your organization, and you.

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

The Cost Of The Wrong Employee

Too many times, I hear managers complain about how it is "impossible" to "get rid" of an employee that is not producing.  The truth is, ANYthing is possible - with sufficient motivation.  If the CEO said "Fire him today or you will be fired", there's little doubt about who would be walking out the door.

That said, a significant problem is that most managers don't consider the true cost of keeping the wrong employee. 

Internal costs:  Team finds it more difficult to complete tasks.  Internal strife lowers morale.  Other employees stop trying to achieve higher standards because there is no consequence (proven by your willingness to allow the "bad apple" to get away with the poor behaviors).  Attitudes/behaviors are "dumbed down" to lowest level you accept.  More mistakes.  Slower work due to lost efficiencies.  Higher costs to do business must be either absorbed into budget (less profit or less invested in internal benefits) or passed on to customers (less value for their investment).

External costs:  Customer experience suffers.  They visit/buy less.  They tell others about lukewarm or disappointing experience.  Brand/reputation suffers.  Others won't do business with you.  Sales decrease.

Then, senior executives WILL get upset at bottom line results and look for the root cause - and what (or who) allowed it to continue.

If you don't hold them accountable (YOUR responsibility), then there are costs...for which YOU will be held accountable.

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Inspiration or Irritation?

There are THOUSANDS of leadership books out there all spouting off about how, if you want to be a good leader, you must be a role model of excellence, quality, integrity, etc.  When done well, embodying these traits can be a faith-building source of encouragement.

But is it possible to over-do it?

In other words, are your efforts to be an excellent role model inspiring...or irritating?

When someone - even a role model - is not relatable, it can actually put off members of your team instead of engaging them.  Being completely competent in your behaviors is only half of the requirement of being a leader.  Unless there is a relationship with your team, your "good example" efforts can be seen as distancing you from their "mere mortal" results.

The solution?  Be a role model of humility.  Be a role model of honesty.  Be "real".  Share (appropriately) your shortcomings, your pain and concerns - in a way that they can identify with withOUT undermining their confidence in your or the journey you are all jointly traveling.  This will help them see that you are experiencing the same "reality" that they are challenged with - and you are choosing to strategically persevere and have a positive attitude through it all.  Just like they can.

So they continue following you and everyone benefits. 

Just a natural consequence of NOT being irritating - and, instead, being an inspirational leader.

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Same Tools + Better Use = Better Results

One thing I've been surprised to learn from working with the world's most successful companies: They don't have any "secret" pixie dust that magically helps them achieve consistent success.  In fact, they have the same resources any other organization has in their industry.

So what sets them apart from the rest of the pack?  Strategic execution.

World-class organizations simply focus their significant efforts in a disciplined way that naturally get superior results.  

Of course, simple isn't usually easy.  But it IS do-able.

Here's the basic roadmap:

• Identify and institute the non-negotiables that make you different and better than anyone else in your industry.
• Develop your leaders and hold them accountable for being consistent role models - in every way.
• Develop and engage employees so they can effectively work together as a team on the right things.
• Understand, engage, and WOW your customers with attention to the details they care most about.
• Be better today than you were yesterday.

Of course, the "pixie dust" includes a lot of hard work.  More than the competition is willing to do.

The good news?  After you gain momentum, it gets easier.  A LOT easier.  

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Proactively Reactive?

I had a very interesting discussion with a senior leadership team I've been coaching. Like many of us, they are in an industry that fluctuates wildly based on changes in the economy, technology, competition, and marketplace preferences. There were some strong opinions about being "proactive" versus "reactive".

The common thinking is that being proactive always trumps being reactive.

As is so often the case, common thinking is wrong.

Don't get me wrong, being proactive is a very good thing under the right circumstances. The problem is that many leaders mistake being reactive as a bad thing. Like anything else, the truth is that a person can react well or poorly.

Reacting merely comes from experiencing something that is unexpected. Given that Life is constantly changing and we can't control everything, the most effective approach is to be able to react well when the need arises. Yes, be proactive with those things that we can influence in advance (which should be much of the time), but be open to adapting/reacting when the situation warrants it.

In a way, it is a lot like the Leadership versus Management argument. The truth is that both are valuable skills - assuming they are used properly as needed. Lead well whenever you can. Manage well those things that need to be managed.

Just do them well - regardless - and you'll be fine.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

The Scam: Managing Versus Leading?

You may be the victim of a scam! Have you ever seen the common comparisons between Managing and Leading? Typically, they include words like:

Manager:
Enforces consistency
Duplicates
Asks how
Forms policy
Corrects weaknesses
Wields control
Does things right

Leader:
Elicits creativity
Originates
Asks why
Sets example
Builds strengths
Applies influence
Does the right thing

These business writers/pontificators always make it seem like being a Manager is bad and being a Leader is good.

What a pile of...uh, a crock of...uh, what a load of...well, you know what I mean.

Next time to see such a list (or hear someone spouting off this Manager = bad, Leader = good nonsense - ask them this: Is anything on the "Manager List" always bad? The answer is "No, of course not". Since when is "doing things right" a bad thing? Puh-leeze!

Bottom line: The truth is, we all need to be good at using EVERY tool possible that matches the situation we are faced with at the time. When we are addressing processes that consistency, then enforce that. When creativity is needed, elicit that.

Anything overdone, becomes a weakness. Don't fall for the "all of nothing" scam. Focus on being the best in the behaviors in BOTH lists. Then you will be a Manager/Leader (whatever you want to call yourself) that ultimately makes a real difference.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

The Leader's Pathway

There is one primary measure of a leader: Do they have followers? It's been said that a leader without followers is just someone out taking a walk. Trite sayings aside, what does a good leader do that others do not?

The three things that set a good leader apart from "wanna-be's" is that he/she:

1. Knows the way - An effective leader has done the research to understand how long-term success works. They focus not only on getting results, but how they achieve those results. Building a working knowledge of operations, finances, and people (both employees and customers) lays the foundation of "getting the tools in the toolkit".

2. Goes the way - Having tools is nice, but it doesn't accomplish anything unless the tools are taken out and utilized. Followers universally expect their leaders to have integrity. In addition to knowing how things should be, a good leader "walks the talk" - being an example of how to actually do the right things right - and achieve sustainable success. Someone once said: "You can read all the books in the world about swimming, but unless you actually get in the water, you probably won't be much of a swimmer." Leaders actually perform.

3. Shows the way - In addition to knowing and doing, a great leader develops others along the way. While the primary responsibility of a leader is to help others accomplish goals, growing other leaders in the process is what leaves the longest-lasting legacy. Making a difference in what you can do is good. Helping multiplied leaders make a difference (domino effect of developing leaders who, in turn, develop additional leaders, and so on) is the measure of truly great leaders.

Which kind of leader are you? What path are you on? What legacy are you creating?

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

The 3:2:1 Rule

Looking for better results? Most people are. Here's a frustrating fact: Consistently successful organizations don't focus most on the outcome - but they still get better results than the rest. Here's why...and how...

Performance is a result of skilled effort - which is a result of passion and commitment. World-class companies get better results because they track backwards to the internal root cause and focus on improving there instead - guiding the process until they achieve the superior external results they desire.

If you want a 1% increase in performance, then you need a 2% increase in effort (the kind your customer values) - which is sparked by a 3% increase in commitment (by your front line team - who delivers the effort.)

Some call it the "3:2:1 Rule". Yes, some of the investment gets lost in the shuffle (that's human nature for you), but done well it's worth it. Remember, the percentages of internal results don't have to cost a lot of money - just well-placed leadership, engaged relationships, and targeted innovation.

You can use this proven approach to set up your own improvement plan. For example: If you want a 2% increase in your financial results, you begin by investing in improving your team's engagement/commitment level by 6% (interact with them, listen to them, challenge them, develop them, etc.), which will affect a 3% increase of performance on their behalf (the power of pride, integrity and ownership!) - gaining you the 2% bottom-line results (from satisfied/loyal advocates) you hope for.

So, if you're interested in achieving consistent external results (like those proven world-class companies), focus on the internal resources that get you there first. ANY small steps towards engaging your team will become a catalyst for improvement in your outcomes.

The 3:2:1 Rule. As simple as 1, 2, 3!

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Becoming A "Clutch" Leader

After watching several intense sports match ups this week, I noticed that something interesting happens at critical moments in each game: Leaders - both on the field and off - make decisions (or not) and take action (or not) that ultimately determines the outcome. Oftentimes, in the battle of two opposing teams, one leader will "choke" when everything is at stake.

What creates success in these high-pressure scenarios? What brings leaders through "in the clutch"?

When I was in charge of leadership initiatives at Disney, it was interesting to see what set the most effective leaders apart from the average leaders. A recent study done for the US military reveals some of the same insights that my team discovered when exploring what made the most significant difference:

• Focus - Are you focused on the details that strategically relevant to this particular situation? Can you ignore any superfluous activity while leading through the challenge?
• Discipline - Are you able to consistently follow up and generate accountability? Are you a legitimate role model with integrity?
• Adaptability - Are you able to learn from the past, yet let go of everything that doesn't serve you or your team in this unique situation? Is there another (different) right answer?
• Being Present - Are you able to "fly by the seat of your pants" and make decisions during the "real time" process of gathering problem solving information?
• Fear/Desire - Are you appropriately motivated (either by fear or desire) enough to passionately move forward - despite the circumstances?

How do you measure up when it comes to these traits? What life experiences can you get involved in (now!) that can help you better develop these traits?

Your future teams - and your leadership career - will reflect your actions today regarding your leadership during difficult times. Do you want to be known as the leader who comes through in the clutch? Then...

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

How Many Days Have You Lived?

I was working with a client organization the other day and saw a sign in the machine shop. It was one of those typical signs that state how many days the team had gone without an accident. During my conversation with the shop manager, we discussed the previous day's leadership workshop on aligning Values, Talent, and Vision and how it related to the common safety sign.

People keep track of things that are important. Things like safety. Why then, do we not measure other things that are just as/more important?

For example, the client's safety sign read "123 days without an accident". Why don't we have a sign in our homes that read "18,250 days that I haven't died?" Unfortunately (or fortunately), we can't have a sign with the number of days we have left in life. I'd bet that would be a sign everyone would pay attention to.

Maybe I was wondering about this because I had just gotten news of the unexpected death of a friend's husband. We don't often think of how many days we've been alive - or that those days are numbered...somewhere. Maybe we should. How would that change our results in life?

Imagine instead if we had a sign that measured how many days we really lived! This was the discussion I had with the manager. "What if people were focused on what was truly important to them (Values), and what they were best at doing (Talent) that propelled them forward towards a goal that was compelling and desirable for them (Vision)"? As their leader, his job is to help them make that happen.

That is ALL of our jobs: To identify those things and take action to see that we stay on course. Every day.

Wouldn't it feel GREAT to add a new number each day to your sign "How Many Days I've Really Lived = X"??

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

I Believe Too!

Just came across a wonderful quote by John D. Rockefeller that covers volumes in one paragraph. Definitely worth reading - and re-reading - to get the full value. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did (and continue to)...

“I believe in the supreme will of the individual and in his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that every right implies a responsibility, every opportunity, an obligation; every possession a duty. I believe that the law was made for man and not man for the law; that government is the servant of the people and not their master. I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but it owes every man an opportunity to make a living. I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living and that economy is a prime request of a sound financial structure, whether in government, business or personal affairs. I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that a man's word should be as good as his bond; that character-not wealth or power or position- is of supreme worth. I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of mankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross (waste matter) of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free. I believe in all-wise-and all-loving God, named by whatever name, and that the individual’s highest fulfillment, greatest happiness, and widest usefulness are to be found in living in harmony with His will. I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over might.”

Every sentence = pretty deep stuff. The question now is "What do YOU believe"? and "Are you living your life in way that reflects that?"

And, most important, "If not, why"?

Think about it - but more importantly, do something about it...today!

Formula for Business Success: Follow and Improve

Everyone seems to be "getting back to basics" - and, for one, I'm glad. As long as the basics include a sophisticated look at long-term success.

To that end, I've been pondering how to simplify a formula for success without getting too simplistic. So far, here's what I've come up with:

Follow your heart (your passion) +
Follow your customer (their passion) +
Improve your skills (your product/services) +
Improve your relationships (engagement with employees/customers)

To me, based on what I've experienced/seen at world-class organizations all over the world, the overlap of all those things seems to equal "Success". Interesting how best-in-class companies lead by following - and are the best because they constantly get better. Pretty simple.

Maybe if leaders would take time to really get clear on these issues, they could take action in a way that paid off with growth and profits. Having this kind of a discussion with your team and your customers will likely reveal some pretty valuable insights.

Just a thought when pondering your own success.

Think about it...but more importantly, act on it - today!

Making a REAL Hero

Lots in the news lately about the passing of several celebrities.

Unfortunately, these past few weeks have also seen the passing of several friends and colleagues of mine.

Over the past 30+ years, I've had the rare chance to work with scores of A-list (as well as B, C, and D-list) celebrities. Of course, during those years I have also worked with and spent time with numerous colleagues.

The swirl of comments from news folks as well as folks I know have included words like: "unspeakable loss" and "changed my life" and "my hero".

Maybe its because of all that "behind-the-scenes" time I spent with both groups - but I must say, when I think of words like "hero", I think of less superficial traits than simply being flashy, well-known or rich. I think of people who touch lives in a personal, meaningful, and lasting way. I think of people that share themselves in a way that changes someone else's life for the better. I think of people that are selfless, sacrificial, and focused on lifting someone else up - rather than themselves.

I haven't met too many "celebrities" that match that definition. They often are nothing more than sparkling packages that are empty inside.

However, I've been blessed to personally know several people that would meet the criteria of real heroes: Substance over style. Integrity over dishonesty. Real over fake. Truth over lies.

I am proud to say that I've known people who have lived these to their end...and really made a difference with their lives. They've led their lives in a way that led the way for others they personally touched.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to know them.
I'm grateful for the impact they had on my life and on the lives of others.
And I'm grateful for yet another reminder about what is really important in Life.

We seem to get signposts throughout our lives that put our life in perspective. We can review what we're currently doing and adjust our behaviors and direction for the better.

I hope you take THIS opportunity to test your priorities - and judge whether you are living the life that you are meant to live. Are you making the kind of difference you should be making? Are you leaving the legacy that you could be living?

People are counting on each of us to do the right thing at the right time in the right way for the right reason. We can be that person when we're needed most.

Yes...YOU can be that hero that makes THE difference. The REAL difference...not some empty illusion of heroism.

Think about it - but more importantly, do something about it...today!

Timeless Growth Secrets

I had an interesting conversation today with the owner of a prominent orange grove here in Florida. During our conversation, he mentioned that he had grown up with plants - first, at a plant nursery, then at a fruit grove, before establishing a national produce corporation.

He mentioned that, especially in this time of economic difficulty, he has found that there are timeless truths to growing - whether it be a plant or a business.

"When the environment is challenging, you find that people's reaction to the challenge is what determines the health or the plant and/or the business. You can save a lot of money in the short term by not watering/fertilizing a plant when times are tough, but the natural consequences are almost always that it costs more to nurse it back to health. In fruit trees you can easily lose an entire season of fruit production - or even lose the tree altogether. The best long-term growth approach is to stay focused on the health of the plant/people/relationships. That is really the only way to ensure a healthy rebound when things get better."

These days, we should all rethink "growth" to not just include "getting bigger", but to be about growing our profit margins. Investing in our employees and helping them to better engage both customers and business improvements, we can grow in every way that matters - and naturally leads to survival...and success!

Isn't it interesting how nature can lead the way to success in our professional lives?

Think about it...but more importantly, act in it...today!

Timing (of ACTION) Is Everything

Ever notice the process of HOW people/organizations manage to become launched into success far above the rest in the industry? Yes, what they do (and how they do it) is a key part - something thousands of books go into great detail about. But the other component critical to success is the timing.

It's often said that it's all about timing - but the action taken must go hand-in-glove for anything of real value to result.

There are naturally occurring economic cycles that often dictate when strategic leaders/companies optimize their potential. There's a "sweet spot" of time when decisive action can be taken that launches success far above the competition: when the competition is too scared to take action themselves.

We're entering that phase right now - the "bottom" of the economic correction is nearing, and the smartest leaders are preparing their employees to launch a sustained service-based customer relationship way of doing business - and leveraging that real difference in their marketing - to steal customers from the competition.

Well, to be more accurate - EARN customers away from the competition.

Customers are going to be much more careful with how they spend their money. And they are remembering how they've been treated by the other options in the industry. They want a great value - which means superior product and experience for the price. Customers who feel they've been mistreated in the past are angry at the lack of honesty, respect, and care they have received...and are looking for a business that earns their loyalty.

That experience doesn't come by accident. Smart leaders are training/preparing now (timing!)to launch an "all out blitz" of great service to customers in an industry of mediocre competitors that mistakenly think they are given acceptable service.

And the customers will make the smart choice.

And the timely action of the wise leaders will pay off...big!

And the industry will wonder "how did I lose so much of my market share to this competitor?" and "how long will it take me to recover?"

But at least you knew...right? Right??

Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!

Stopping The Pain

What does it take to finally take action and really stop the pain - for the long term? In the face of this economic downturn, companies are resorting to issuing layoffs in a desperate attempt to stay solvent.

The shame of it all? It won't help them.

Layoffs are short-term reactions that create long-term problems.

World-class companies know that in times of crisis, real character is not built - it is revealed. The true colors of a leader is evident in times such as these. If they say "people are our most important resource" and then opt to lay them off, their lack of integrity is there for all to see.

And employees (current or future) will remember.

Even employees who are left working after the layoff will remember...and the natural consequence is "survivor's guilt", lack of trust in the company, a focus on self (preservation) rather than the team...the list goes on.

The more effective option is to engage the employees in creating (and, therefore, owning) the solution. Focus on "your most valuable resource" guiding themselves out of this mess. With the right processes/tools, innovation leading to success in the face of these situations build teamwork/success.

And, yes, they will remember this too. You will enjoy the natural consequences of that. Nice.

Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!

FINALLY Bring Your Goals To Life!

Okay, it's a new year and we all want to have a new/better life. BlahBlahBlah... Let's cut to the chase: What do the most successful people do to consistently achieve their goals - even in difficult times?

No, they aren't superhuman and they do not have better resources/opportunities (at least before they started realizing their goals), they just do what ordinary people will not: THEY STOP SETTLING!

The most successful leaders/organizations simply don't settle for anything less than excellent. They make a real commitment (not just some temporary "resolution") and take real action - not settle for merely talking about action items or plans to act. Every success began with a single step - a call, an email, a conversation with someone or connection with something that could help exceed typical results and get extraordinary results.

A true breakthrough starts with a real investment of yourself to connect with proven approaches to success - not some lame "law of attraction" psycho-babble. "Wishing" is not a legitimate business strategy.

Contrary to common belief, the first step is NOT being aware that you want to be better. Awareness (and "wishing") doesn't count - we all want to improve. The real first step is doing something - taking physical action!

Identify someone who has earned success and physically contact them - ask them how they did it. Don't settle for just telling people about your plans - show them by doing.

So...stop reading right now and start doing...right now!

Oh, and have a Happy New Year too. (and by "Happy", I mean "kick-ss successful")

Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!

What It Takes To Survive In Crisis Situations

It's hard not to notice the scores of businesses failing right now. Many claim that they are the "victims" of this nasty economic crisis. The hard truth is, they are only the victims of how they dealt with the circumstances. Let's really look at the facts:

Why won't all businesses in their industry fail? After all, they're dealing with the same circumstances. Actually, there's a simple answer:

There are two primary aspects of our operational abilities: Preparedness (Training; Having processes in place; etc.) and Resources (Money; Physical assets; People; etc.) Here's the secret that true world-class businesses have discovered: Your current status regarding these two issues are based on how you think!

This is NOT some "name it, claim it/ask the Universe for it" kind of garbage...uh, I mean, theory. When leaders think training is important, they invest in that and are better prepared. When they think innovative solutions best come from front line employees, they engage them in opportunities to adapt/improve results. You get the picture. Their actions begin with their thoughts and beliefs.

Because circumstances constantly change, the key is thinking in a way (focusing on proven, real-life solutions) that gets consistent, world-class results - even in difficult times.

It's too bad many professionals miss that truth. It means the difference between thriving and merely surviving...and sometimes (unfortunately) between surviving, and not.

Don't be that statistic. Even now, it's not too late to invest in the proven approach that will completely change your situation for the better. Really. Don't settle for less when you can tap into proven solutions that will lead you to achieving your potential.

Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!

Employee Engagement = Organizational Improvement

I just finished up a consulting project that centered on improving the client organization's business performance. In this particular situation, they had several problems: low customer loyalty (repeat/referral), inefficient processes, high turnover. The client expected some expensive and drawn-out intervention to fix it. If they had gone with a typical consultant, they likely would have been correct.

But they hired my team ("the anti-consultants") ...and they were thrilled to be wrong.

In this particular instance, well-placed effort on engaging their employees created a ripple effect that positively impacted everything else - especially in challenging times. It works like this:

Connect with (really engage/care for) the employee =
1. higher morale/teamwork/productivity (more ownership, buy-in, and passion)
2. more efficiencies (employees are the closest to the operations and know how to improve it)
3. higher satisfaction/loyalty (employees are closest to the customer and can create better relationships - which, coincidentally, have been modeled by leadership as part of the engagement effort.)

Isn't it wonderful to see a business achieve it's potential? They especially appreciate that these dramatic improvements are occurring while the economic environment is killing off the weak businesses, injuring the average businesses, and rewarding the businesses that invest wisely in developing their people.

It's never too late to improve...right up until the "death rattle".

What are YOU doing to engage your employees/save your business during this difficult time?

Think about it...but more importantly, act on it...today!